Chicago Irish-rock band One for the Ditch is preparing for a series of performances across the city and suburbs in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, according to a March 10 announcement.
The group, known for its energetic mix of original songs and Irish classics, will play several venues throughout March, including The Vixen in McHenry, Martyrs in North Center, the Irish American Heritage Center in Mayfair, Liars Club in Lincoln Park, Buckingham Fountain during the Shamrock Shuffle, and Reggies on State Street. These shows come after notable appearances opening for Smashing Pumpkins at the Aragon Ballroom in 2024 and Sublime at Q101’s Twisted Xmas show in 2025.
Sean Mulroney, bassist and founding member of One for the Ditch (formerly Avondale Ramblers), recalled receiving a last-minute invitation to open for Smashing Pumpkins: “I had to go to our rehearsal space at Belmont and Cicero, load up the entire band’s gear by myself, then get to the Aragon in Uptown — all within an hour and a half.” Singer Hugh Daly added about their surprise appearance: “The first thing I said was, ‘If anybody here is surprised to see us, you’re not nearly as surprised as we are.’ We didn’t really have time to be nervous. Then again, we don’t really get nervous in a drinking band.”
Drummer Fred Frey described their sound as “a cross between [Irish folk singer] Liam Clancy and Social Distortion,” noting that each member brings unique influences: “When we first started, the idea was to do some sort of Celtic band. But with all the musicians who’ve come through, it’s been up to them to express themselves. Hugh’s got a particular quality in his voice that screams Irish… everybody’s just brought whatever they do to the table and it seems to work.”
The band performs well-known Irish songs such as “Wild Rover,” “Dirty Old Town,” and “Galway Girl,” but also includes covers like The Who’s “Squeeze Box” because guitarist Tony Manno plays banjo. Frey said about this choice: “We kind of roll our eyes every time we do it, but people like it. We also do a pretty mean, semi-acoustic version of ‘Pretty Vacant’ by the Sex Pistols.”
Mulroney highlighted how years together have strengthened their bond: “This is the best iteration of the group I’ve been in. We’re older — not any wiser — but we get along great. And that’s very important.” He has also been active outside music as co-owner of Double Door and played with Tic Tah on Star Search.
Actor Dermot Mulroney occasionally joins his brother Sean on stage with One for the Ditch. Frey said: “He really brings something — it’s not just that it’s nice to have Dermot Mulroney on stage — he’s a really good harmonizer too.” Daly noted they hope Dermot will one day join them on cello.
Looking ahead to St. Patrick’s Day festivities, Daly observed that crowds are especially lively this month: “They’re drunker.” He added: “People are out to have a good time around St. Patrick’s Day — even people who wouldn’t listen to Irish music want to hear it in March… we put on a good show.”
